PANAJI
The 16th century Portuguese fort, Reis Magos, is set to come alive later this month with the works of artists, notably Soazic Guezennec from France, during the “Semaine de la Francophonie” or Francophone week.
The ‘Reis Magos Art Project’ is an initiative of ArtOxygen (ArtO2), a public art initiative in India, in collaboration with others, including l’institut Français en Inde. Over three days, from March 21 to 23, the project will bring together works by emerging Indian and international artists at the fort.
Johanna Roth, director of the Alliance Française, Panjim, one of the collaborators of the French week told ‘The Goan’, “The Fort was chosen as the location for its historical value (a fortress, then a prison and a hospital). By revisiting the symbolic value of this Mecca of Goan architecture and heritage, artists are led to produce temporary works of art (sculptures, installations, performances, etc.) in coherence with the different functions of this historic place.”
The French Language and Francophonie Week was initiated in 1995 by the Ministry of Culture and Communication. It is organized every year around March 20, International Francophonie Day. Thousands of events are organized in France and abroad.
In Panaji, the programme has been put together by the Alliance Française (AF), in close collaboration with the French Department of the Goa University (GU). Activities have been planned throughout this week and are open to the public with an interest in French and Francophone culture.
On March 18, a screening of a Canadian film (Pour vivre ici) will be held at GU.
On March 19, a concert will be held at Sunaparanta Goa Center for the Arts where a duo of Swiss musicians (Christian Tschanz and Andreas Sigrist) will perform in French and launch their new album. March 20 is an Open Day at the AF in Altinho with a French language contest for students and alumni of the AF.
A film will also be screened at the AF (The New Rudi Rosenberg, 2015). 20 minute long demo classes on the day are open to all interested in getting an idea of ​​a French course at AF Panaji. The demos are free and aim to arouse curiosity and interest in French in Goa.
On March 23, a French-speaking picnic is organized: any French-speaking person wishing to meet other Francophones is invited to participate! The only condition required to participate is an interest in French language and culture. Details of the week are available on AF Panjim’s Facebook page and Instagram.
